England’s Zak Crawley Ruled Out of Sri Lanka Test Series with Fractured Finger
England’s preparations for their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka have been dealt a blow with the news that opener Zak Crawley will miss the three-match encounter due to a fractured right little finger. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the injury on Sunday, announcing a 14-member squad for the series that begins on August 21 at Old Trafford.
Crawley, 26, sustained the injury during England’s third Test victory over the West Indies last month. The right-handed batsman has been a regular fixture in the England Test team since making his debut in 2019, scoring 1,328 runs in 25 matches at an average of 28.44.
In addition to Crawley’s absence, seamer Dillon Pennington will also miss the series due to a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old made his Test debut against New Zealand in June but has yet to establish himself as a regular member of the team.
Jordan Cox has been called up to the Test squad for the first time. The 23-year-old middle-order batter has impressed in the County Championship for Kent this season, scoring 750 runs in 12 matches at an average of 41.67.
Seamer Olly Stone also returns to the Test squad for the first time since June 2021. The 29-year-old has been plagued by injuries throughout his career but has shown glimpses of his potential when fit.
Ben Stokes will captain the England team during the series against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder has led England to victory in their last four Test matches, including a 3-0 sweep of New Zealand in June.
